In the vast majority of times network hardware is installed within a conditioned space. If not the hardware is spec’d to be
hardened which indicates a very wide operating temperature range which uses very high quality components and well engineered cooling whether it be active vs passive.
Heat is the primary killer of electronics as prolonged heat causes internal capacitors to dry out.
The second highest failure mode is due to dirty power whether it be low voltage, high voltage, or surge events.
You’re going to pay now or later so it’s best to invest the time, money, and resources to have the hardware installed inside of the home!
If you have no choice and must install the hardware in the garage insure the following:
- Use hardened network equipment
- Evenly space the hardware in the rack
- The rack should be mounted as low as possible to the ground as heat rises.
- Insure multiple PWM 120 mm fans are exhausting based on real time temps.
Given the photo you have provided shows no insulation it makes perfect sense to invest time and money to do so! Roxul insulation whether it be comfort batt vs fire rated will provide a temperature differential of 10~40 degrees based on the R value installed.
The same insulation material provides many benefits such as noise control, fire suppression, pests & bugs do not like the metal slag, is very water resistant, and reduces the speed of heat soaking which translates to lower thermal stacking above nine feet.
Some form of remote temperature and humidity monitoring is paramount in such installations. Along with fire suppression which starts with the server rack / case and ends with a ABC rated ceiling suppressor.
Dedicated 120 VAC power needs to be present which is not supplied by a GFCI. If your location requires a AFCI install a AFCI outlet instead as they are cheaper and can be changed out if nuisance tripping is present.
Lastly, if your region is anywhere in the rust belt. Everything that you install will be living on borrowed time as no amount of protection will guard against salty air in a garage space!
Good luck . . .
